Battery-electric transport remains the core of Scania’s sustainable transport strategy, but the company is committed to exploring all viable technologies and combinations as part of its broader decarbonisation efforts.
Scania is all-in for electrification, yet it continues to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of sustainable transport, as seen in a new research initiative from its Pilot Partner programme.
Earlier this month at Transport.CH in Bern, Switzerland, Scania showcased its collaboration with Asko Norge AS, a longstanding partner and leader in sustainable logistics, to test hydrogen fuel cell trucks in business operations. The goal is to evaluate technical performance, operational feasibility, and commercial potential.
Although these vehicles are not yet available for order, they form part of Scania’s broader Pilot Partner programme, which engages selected customers to assess electrification technology and other solutions under daily conditions to see their contribution to fossil-free transport.
“By testing in real transport environments, we learn what works best in practice and how to accelerate progress,”
explains Tony Sandberg, Head of Scania Pilot Partner.
The hydrogen vehicle test does not change Scania’s core strategy for the decarbonisation of transport, which remains centred on direct electrification. However, it is one of several tests being conducted through the Pilot Partner programme to understand how different energy carriers and powertrains perform, identifying real-life strengths and weaknesses.
The pilot truck tests with Asko
By combining Scania’s established electric powertrain technology with hydrogen systems, Scania and Asko have initially found that the trucks can achieve ranges of up to 1,000 kilometres per refuelling, emitting only water vapour.
The collaboration demonstrates how partnerships can drive practical progress in sustainable transport.
“Being part of Scania’s Pilot Partner initiative gives us a unique opportunity to test and influence the development of sustainable solutions that fit our operations,”
says Jørn Arvid Endresen, CEO of ASKO Midt.
Tony Sandberg adds:
“Asko’s strong commitment and proactive approach are key to accelerating the transition. Together, we turn insights from pilots into practical knowledge that benefits the whole industry.”
Scania Pilot Partner: where innovation meets application
Launched in 2021, the Scania Pilot Partner initiative is the company’s dedicated collaboration platform for innovation with selected customers. It evaluates and tests a wide range of technologies and methods, from battery-electric solutions—which remain the strategic focus—to range extenders and emerging alternatives such as hydrogen fuel cells.
By testing these solutions in real operations, Scania and its partners gain invaluable insights into performance, efficiency, and total cost of ownership, supporting customers in their own transition to decarbonised transport.
Every Pilot Partner project is more than a test; it is a hands-on learning platform where Scania and customers refine sustainable transport solutions in real-world operations, from city distribution to long-haul transport.
“This is where innovation meets application,”
says Sandberg.
“By working side by side with customers, we turn pilots into progress and strengthen Scania’s role in leading the shift towards a sustainable transport system.”
